Brazilian team-mates urge star to leave Liverpool

SPECULATION continues to build over the future of Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, with a number of his Brazilian teammates urging him to join them at their respective clubs.

The 23-year-old is currently at the Copa America where he scored a stunning hat-trick to help his country to a 7-1 romp over Haiti earlier in the week.

And Atletico Madrid’s Filipe Luis has wasted no time trying to do a bit of agency work for the Spanish outfit, telling Coutinho he is good enough to play for Diego Simeone’s side.

Luis told Esporte Interativo: “Coutinho is amazing and can make the difference. We discussed that he can play for top UCL sides.

“Coutinho asked me how it feels to play a Champions League final. He would be welcomed at Atletico Madrid, he has the quality.

“In the locker room, our relationship is excellent. On pitch, we like to exchange passes. He’s a joy.”

That came just days after another Brazil team-mate, Dani Alves, urged Coutinho to leave Liverpool for a club like Barcelona.

The brilliant playmaker has been a stand-out since arriving at Anfield from Inter Milan in 2013 and the Reds would desperately miss his creativity, vision and ability to score spectacular long-range goals.

The Metro report Liverpool have already rejected an offer of £23miullion from Paris St Germain, although Coutinho himself claims he is unaware of any interest from the French giants.

“As far as I know, there’s no offer. I’m here with the national team, and this subject is for my representatives,” he said.

“More important for me is to be here, focused on the national team and having a good tournament. That’s where my head is at.”

Coutinho dominated Liverpool’s end-of-season awards, collecting four honours, including Player of the Year, but there must now be serious doubts as to whether he’ll be around next campaign to defend that award.